Weaknesses in Policies and Oversight Governing Medical Supplies and Equipment Pose Risksto Veterans' Safety.

MEDICAL care of veterans; MEDICAL supplies; MEDICAL centers; UNITED States. Government Accountability Office; UNITED States. Dept. of Veterans Affairs; SAFETY

The article presents a report from the Government Accountability Office (GAO) concerning safety measures on offering medical care for veterans in the U.S. It examines the requirements imposed by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) which include purchasing, tracking, and reprocessing of reusable medical equipment (RME). It evaluates the supervision of VA on the compliance of VA medical centers (VAMCs) with these requirements. It also notes the weaknesses of VA in its policies and supervision.